You get to play as Ava (the pilot from the main storyline) who has a completely different playstyle, largely focused on manipulation and incapacitation rather than damage. Your primary weapon is fixed as a "riot gun", which has a very short range, no damage, but knocks enemies over backwards. It can be upgraded using a workbench once you find various spare parts and schematics, and there are a lot of different options. Once upgraded a bit it becomes immensely fun sneaking up on people to blast them halfway across the screen and into a chasm, lake, explosive trap or some other sticky end

Combined with the riot gun your primary thrown weapon is fixed as a drone, which again can be upgraded using parts and schematics. When using a drone you take direct control and Ava sits still, so they're best used from a safe hiding spot. They fall into two categories: utility and combat. Utility drones can manipulate most objects, so you can use them to do things like fly to inaccessible places or kamikaze round a corner and switch off a turret without getting killed. Combat drones cannot manipulate objects, but as the name suggests they come armed

It takes a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of it the play style is hugely fun - there's a much bigger emphasis on stealth, as Ava is really quite squishy.

Yeah, that's a fair call. Whilst I may not have posted that much, I've still enjoyed lurking and reading the collected ramblings. It's always interesting to get a taste of the variety of stuff out there, even the obscure Japanese RPGs

Thank you all for the thoughts, company and discussion. It's been a fun ride

I'm still poking about on the PIE forums and use Discord occasionally. We could make a private FB group or similar if we want an alternative means of discussion.

Yeah, there are some great twists, both in plot and gameplay. That one you mention is particularly good! And some brilliant setpieces too; I was completely hooked on wanting to see what insanity would be around the next corner.

There are some bits that get a bit fiddly, but never to the point where it's more than mildly annoying, and rarely for very long. And tbh they are totally eclipsed by the general brilliance of everything else.